Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari on Monday said that the Punjab government has no intention of purchasing Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
She clarified that discussions about launching a separate airline for Punjab have taken place are taking place but acquiring the national flag carrier is not on the agenda.
Information Minister further emphasized that there is a need for a reliable airline in Pakistan as overseas Pakistanis have also raised concerns with Mian Nawaz Sharif regarding their travel difficulties with PIA.
She also acknowledged that provinces have the right to establish their own airlines if they choose.
When discussing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) interest in acquiring PIA, Bokhari expressed surprise and said “The KP government should clear other debts before showing interest in buying the PIA.”
Additionally, she praised Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for initiating several development projects and effectively managing the province’s finances side by side.
Earlier reports indicated that the Punjab government, under CM Punjab, had shown interest in either acquiring PIA or starting a new provincial airline, tentatively named “Air Punjab.”
PML-N President Nawaz Sharif confirmed that his daughter had asked for his advice on whether the provincial government should pursue the acquisition of PIA or focus on establishing a new airline.
